Big Ben

Friday 26 February 2010
by Sam Moore The Houses of Parliament's iconic clock tower is one of London's most famous landmarks.

Situated at the end of Westminster bridge and next to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben is a definite stop if you’re visiting London for the first time.

The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by the great fire in 1834. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock.The Elizabeth Tower, which stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, was complete by 1859 and the Great Clock started ticking on 31 May, with the 13.7 tonnes Great Bell's strikes heard for the first time on 11 July and the quarter bells first chimed on 7 September.

The name Big Ben was first given to the bell, but is often used to refer to the tower, the clock and the bell. The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated so don't miss out.

This landmark is famed throughout the world, and is heard daily chiming the evening news.